08 Jun The Ultimate Honeymoon Planning Checklist
You spend a lot of time planning the perfect wedding. From the venue to the dress, careful consideration is taken into the tiniest details of your most special day. Once your I Do’s have been exchanged and the party has wound down, it’s time to celebrate just the two of you. To help you enjoy your honeymoon we have created the perfect honeymoon planning checklist, from what to pack to things you might have never thought about.
Things To Consider When Planning A Honeymoon
10-12 Months Before
1. Set A Budget
You will need to set a budget when planning a honeymoon and setting a budget early on in the planning process will only make things easier. Some couples incorporate the honeymoon cost into their overall wedding budget while others decide to pay for the honeymoon out of a different fund. No matter what budget the honeymoon will come out of you will need to decide how much you are willing to spend on this trip.
2. Decide On A Location
While you might be thinking of a beach honeymoon your partner might have a different idea so it is important for the two of you to sit down and decide what are some ideal locations for your honeymoon. The best way to decide on a location is have you and your partner list 3 locations you would love to go for your honeymoon and see if any of them match up and then take it from there!
3. Decide On A Date
Some couples leave right after the wedding and head out on their honeymoon while other couples take a few days, weeks, or even months before they take their honeymoon. Talk with your partner to decide when is the ideal time for your honeymoon – there is no perfect answer so it is whatever works for you and your partner!
4. Decide On The Length Of The Trip
Honeymoons can come in all different shapes and sizes and while some are only a few days others can stretch out to 2 or even 3 weeks. Look at the commitments in your life such as personal schedule, work schedule, and other factors which can help you decide on the perfect length of your trip.
5. Do Your Research
It is easy to see a few pretty pictures on a website and decide to book a hotel or rental house but you will want to make sure you do a little research first. Read a few reviews and talk with family and friends to make sure you are getting exactly what you see online.
6. Investigate Travel Deals
You might have travel points or hotel deals you can use to save a little when it comes to the honeymoon so before you book anything check out any deals you might be able to find.
7-8 Months Before
7. Confirm Costs
Evaluate your options and choices and confirm the total costs. This is the time to make your final decisions on location, activities, restaurants, hotels and airlines prior to booking.
8. Book Your Trip
Once you determine your choices, make your final decision and be sure to book your trip. Costs and availability change quickly, so this is one of the key areas to lock down early. this will allow you to focus on the wedding while being able to look forward to your honeymoon destination.
5- 6 Months Before
9. Apply or Renew Passports
Check your current documents to see expiration dates. If needed renew your passport. If you do not have a passport and are traveling internationally then apply for your passport. Timing can vary so the sooner the better.
10. Book Tours and Make Restaurant Reservations
Determine your itinerary. Consider where you want to make plans including tours, activities, tickets to event or dinners. This will pay off in the end, as many travel destinations are quite busy and tend to be booked early. Don’t be disappointed. You can always adjust if needed and be sure to check cancellation policies, especially weather related.
2 Months Before
11. Verify Travel Documents
Ensure you have all your travel documents in order by this time. Get them in order and make copies of key documents if needed. If missing anything, you have some time to resolve.
2 Weeks Before
12. Make Your Packing List
Take the time to make a list and start packing the items that you can ahead of time. The weeks prior to your wedding will be extremely busy, so get your packing complete to avoid last minute packing.
1 Day Before
13. Organize travel documents and complete online check in
This will be a hectic day if you are traveling immediately following your wedding, so do this early and get it out of the way so you can enjoy your day.
Small But Important Honeymoon Details
1. When and how many snaps to share
Decide in advance whether you will document and share your vacation in real time or recap it all when you return home. Totally disconnecting is ideal and creates some security so that people can’t keep tabs on whether you are home or not.
2. A house sitter
Enlist a trusted neighbor to collect and hold onto your mail for you while you are away so the mailman doesn’t go crazy.
3. A plan for potential emergencies
Unfortunately, mishaps can occur during honeymoon adventures. Once you leave the country your medical benefits go kaput. Enter: travel insurance. Not the cutest thing on your checklist, but the most necessary. In addition to medical emergencies, travel insurance can cover trip cancellations, flight delays, lost baggage and more.
4. Important selfies to capture
Practical: next to your car with the parking level sign, in case a week of relaxing wipes your memory. Memorable: in front of every pretty landscape you can find (rings and kissing encouraged).
5. What to pack
Depending on your destination locale, your exact suitcase contents will vary, but these items are pretty universal and great to have just in case: bridal lingerie (because you are celebrating, after all), sunscreen, a lightweight jacket or sweater for cooler nights, bug spray, disinfectant wipes, medications, a cheap pair of sunnies, and a color copy of your passport.
6. A travel agent
All of the perks without the leg work? Count us in. Not only can they save you money, but they can give you insider knowledge to the best resorts and excursions for a trip to remember.
Honeymoon planning checklist in a nutshell: relax and celebrate.
You have earned a little bit of stress-free time as a newly married couple so relax and enjoy these special moments after your big day.
